The Food and Sundries Distribution to the Homeless Community Task Force was established to find ways to allow distribution of food and other charitable donations to the homeless population in Salem parks while significantly minimizing the impact to the properties and its users. It was created in response to continuing impacts to an area under the Marion Street Bridge where distributions were taking place. It will also identify alternative distribution locations for these programs. It is not the intent of this task force to allow, or find ways to allow, distributions in areas posted for no trespassing.

Authority

On January, 28, 2019, the Salem City Council representatives from social service agencies, homeless advocates, neighborhood associations, Salem Parks and Advisory Board, and city staff to the 15-member task force.